'I don't want my players to be scared to speak'

BBC News

13-06-2025

Steven Pressley believes he developed "a softer side" in his role as Brentford's head of individual player development and thinks it will help him as the new Dundee head coach.The former Scotland international succeeds Tony Docherty in the Dens Park dugout and was unveiled to the media for the first time since returning to Scotland earlier today.The 51-year-old spent 12 years in England and paid particular focus to his stint with the Bees, adding it has given him a refined perspective."It was a great role in terms of education and understanding, and allowed me to form really strong relationships with personnel and get to know the players," he said."Sometimes when we go through the transition from being a player to manager, we forget the difficulties of being a player."Being a football player is a hard journey. There's so much vulnerability about it, there's so much disappointment, so much pressure around the job."Working with the players very closely reminds me of just how difficult that journey can be."It's really important that we have that type of culture within this club where you can be vulnerable, we are going to support each other and help each other, we are going to make you better."I want to be a manager where my players feel they can come to me and speak on issues that they have and they're not scared to do so. The role has allowed me to develop in that way. "It's allowed me to develop my softer side in many ways and hopefully that will benefit me."